I have a good relationship with Roger Federer, he wrote me a message to congratulate me after my French Open win: Rafael Nadal
A 19-year-old Rafael Nadal wearing a green sleeveless shirt and white Bermuda shorts won his first-ever Grand Slam title at the 2005 French Open. 17 years later, Nadal hit a clean backhand winner on championship point against Casper Ruud to win his 22nd Slam title and a record-extending 14th French Open title.
With the win, the Mallorcan became the oldest champion in Paris at the age of 36 years and two days.
Speaking to Angelo Mangiante on Sky Sports, the Spaniard shed light on his relationship with Swiss maestro Roger Federer. It's no secret that Federer and Nadal have a healthy friendship despite being rivals on the court.
True enough, the Spaniard revealed that he received a private message from Federer congratulating him on his French Open triumph.
"With Roger, I have a good relationship and a special feeling. After the victory, he wrote me a message to compliment me," Nadal said.
On this day in 2005, Rafael Nadal beat Mariano Puerta in four sets to win his first Roland Garros 🏆
17 years later, he is just one match away from winning his 14th title 😮 https://t.co/dUDgM9Fg0d
Nadal also expressed his happiness at his Roland Garros victory, highlighting the difficulties he had to overcome to emerge with the trophy in Paris.
"It's an incredible story, difficult for me to explain, but that's the way things are and I'm particularly happy. The last three and a half months have been difficult, there has been a lot of work behind it but also with many limitations. Being able to go all the way to Roland Garros with a win is very exciting," said Nadal.
The World No. 4 beat Norway's Casper Ruud 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 in the title match and maintained his 100% record in Roland Garros finals (14-0). After Mats Wilander (1982 French Open) and Roger Federer (2017 Australian Open), Rafael Nadal became only the third man to defeat four top-10 players en route to a Slam title.
Breaking his own records 💪
@RafaelNadal - now the owner of 14 #RolandGarros titles and 22 Grand Slam titles 🏆 https://t.co/jbliQ0Md7v
"An Italian player will definitely win a Grand Slam soon" - Rafael Nadal
When asked whether an Italian player could win a Major in the future, Rafael Nadal sounded positive. He pointed to the rise of players like Lorenzo Musetti, Matteo Berrettini and Jannik Sinner to explain that Italian tennis is in safe hands.
"I have played many times in Italy. In the end there are many similarities with Spain, the language is similar, it is a friendly country of Spain. When I am in Italy, I always feel at home. I believe that Italy is doing a very good job and we are seeing positive results with Jannik Sinner, Matteo Berrettini, Lorenzo Sonego, and Lorenzo Musetti. Lots of young players with great chances of winning a Grand Slam and I'm sure it will happen." Nadal said.
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